The AU men’s soccer team entered the 2013 season with multiple seniors, but the teams’ freshmen led the Eagles to a 3-1 victory over George Washington University on Aug. 30. The game was part of the D.C. Cup, taking place in Fairfax, Va.
“I don’t think we played our best soccer and we have a lot of work to do to get better,” Head Coach Todd West said in an interview with The Eagle. “But when you can have not your best game and win, things look pretty good for you.”
AU freshman Dale Ludwig made his mark early when he launched a shot in the second minute which was saved by GW keeper JP van der Merwe.
But Ludwig was not finished in what turned out to be an excellent debut. He scored the first goal in the 41st minute with a pass from All Patriot League forward Colin Seigfreid, shooting from 15 yards out.
GW responded to the Eagles’ goal by leveling the score in the 56th minute. Colonels’ midfielder Ross Higgins took the balli into the Eagles’ zone, shooting past All Patriot League keeper Billy Knutsen.
The Eagles went on the attack shortly after as rookie Joe Iraola put another shot into the GW net in the 60th minute with an assist from freshman Chris Fanet.
Ludwig continued to shine, scoring a goal in the 76th minute to seal the game for the Eagles off a Hunter free kick.
“Those guys are dynamic forwards and we expect them to continue to get better,” West said of Ludwig and Iraola.
AU will finish up the D.C. Cup with a matchup against George Mason University on Sept. 1 before returning to campus to take on Binghamton on Sept. 6.
esaltzman@theeagleonline.com
